What counts

When I got divorced several years ago, Noah's mom and I decided that Noah was more important than she and I. His upbringing mattered more than our significant difference of opinions.

Maybe the country could learn from that. You are not what your voter card says -- Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Whig or whatever else. You are American. So your guy won or lost. You are sad or elated. I don't care who is in office. I am responsible for my life regardless of who sits on the throne.

America is a great country, not because of its government, but because of its people. If you as an American strive to be your best self, that is what will bring about change. You can't control others, but you can control yourself.

I thought years ago I would join the Marines and change the world. I came to realize that the only real change I could directly impact was much smaller and much more important. I could influence my son, offer counsel and my experience to my friends who asked for it and be a generally good role model. That's the American platform.

***

Robert Urban of Longwood is CEO of an outdoor survival school called Urban Survival Academy. He enjoys spending time with his son, fishing, reading, science, history and art. He’s written just one letter to the editor.